Arrival transfer from Airport to hotel, check in at hotel. Ahmedabad, named after a Sultan who founded it in 1411 and known for its Indo-Sarcenic architecture is graced with splendid monuments associated with Mahatama Gandhi, the apostle of peace and non violence whose simple ashram on the banks of the river Sabarmati is now a site of national pilgrimage. Renowned as a great textile and commercial centre and as the Manchester of India, Ahmedbad is today the second largest prosperous and thriving city in western India. Afternoon city tour of Ahmedabad. Overnight at Ahmedabad.
After breakfast, drive to Poshina, enroute visit Modhera & Patan.
Modhera: The Sun temple of Modhera is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank. Every inch of the edifice, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers. Sun Temple of Modhera was built by King Bhimdev I (1026-27) and bears some resemblance to the later and far better known, Sun Temple of Konark in the state of Orissa, which it predates by some 200 years. Like that temple, it was designed so that the dawn sun shone on the image of Surya, the sun God, at the time of the equinoxes. The main hall and shrine are reached through a pillared porch and the temple exterior is intricately and delicately carved. As with the temple of Somnath, this fine temple was ruined by Mahumad of Ghazni.
Patan: Patan was an ancient Hindu Capital before it was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024. Now a pale shadow of its former self, it still has more than 100 Jain Temples and is famous for its beautifully designed Patola silk saris. Later reach Poshina – The tribal land of Aravalis.
Explore the Bhil & Gharasia tribal culture of North Gujarat & Southern Rajasthan. Overnight at Poshina.
Full day time to visit the Tribal village of Poshina. Its home to a number of artisans the tribal arrow crafters, silversmiths, potters, blacksmiths and the bazaar is famous for silver tribal jewelry, ORNATE sheathed daggers and terra cotta horses. Around poshina are hamlets of the bhil and garasia tribal communities, know for their colorful attires and artistic ornaments. The Jain temple, the intricately carved Med review shiva temple and the royal ‘Chhatteries’ (cenotaphs) of the rulers Of poshina are sure to leave you mesmerized. Overnight at Poshina.
After breakfast drive to Dasada / Bajana. A jeep safari will take you to the Little Rann of Kutch to see the rare species of the ‘Indian Wild Ass’. Visit the nearby villages to see the local tribes such as Rabari, Koli and Bajania still maintaining their rich heritage of lifestyle clothes, jewelry and dances. Their embroidery is exquisite. One can see the Negroid Sidhi tribes – people of Gir and Kutch. Overnight at Dasada / Bajana.
After breakfast drive to Chhota Udaipur/Jambhugodha, on way visit of Baroda and Champaner (World Heritage Site). At Baroda, visit Fateh Singh Museum, Sayaji Bagh and the Baroda Museum and Art Galary. Fateh Singh Museum: This royal art collection includes copies of European works by Raphael, Titan and Murillo and examples of Greco-Roman, Chinese and Japanese art as well as Indian exhibits. Sayaji Bagh, is a popular spot for an evening stroll. Within the park are several attractions. Baroda Museum and Art Galary: The Museum has some good Indian statues and carving. Drive to Champaner 45 km away from Vadodara city. Champaner Pavagadh Archeological Park: The place is a UNESCO designated, World Heritage Site (2004). It is an assemblage of over 100 small and large monuments largely unexcavated and bearing archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties. Later drive to Jambhugodha/Chhota Udaipur (80 Kms/100 Kms). Overnight at Jambughoda/Chhota Udaipur.
Full day Excursion (with Packed Lunch) to Chhota Udaipur (Recommend to take Jeep for the interior visit – Optional).
Chhota Udaipur is in proximity to various hamlets of Bhils, Rathwas, Bhilalas and other tribes. The tribal folks can be spotted in sporting colourful attires and chunky jewelry. A tour of the tribal village and hamlets offer an insight of traditional architecture, lifestyle & handicrafts of each aboriginal community.
The tribal market called ‘hatt’ occurs at different villages. Pithora painting, pottery, terracotta figures, Langoti wearing and bamboo basket weaving are main attractions. Overnight at Jambughoda /Chhota Udaipur.
Early morning transfer by road to Bhavnagar. Bhavnagar is an important trading post for cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. Visit Takhteshwar Temple. The Temple itself is of minor interest but, as it sits on a small hillock, it is neverthless high enough to provide good views over the city and out into the Gulf of Cambay. Visit Gandhi Smriti Museum, with a moderate collection of Gandhi memorabilia and religious statues. Evening, visit to some of the interesting bazar area with overhanging wooden balconies. Overnight at Bhavnager.
Morning full day excursion to Palitana. Palitana: It is little more than a gateway to Mount Shatrunjaya, strewed with 863 temples. The temples were built over a period of 900 years on a hilltop dedicated entirely to God. Almost all the temples are Jain, and this hill demonstrates their belief that merit is derived from constructing temples. The most notable of the temple is dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the first Jain Tirthankar. There is a Muslim shrine of Angar Pir. Women who want children make offerings of miniature cradles at this shrine. Afternoon lunch at a local restuarant (optional). Return to Bhavnagar for an overnight stay.
After breakfast drive to Diu. Visit the St. Paul’s Church, the only active church till date. Nearby is the old St. Thomas’s Church that has now been taken over by the authorities and converted into the Diu Museum – an Archeological treasure house. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi has been converted to a hospital. The massive Diu Fort built in 1541 is an added attraction. The fort offers a kaleidoscopic view of Diu town. Later, enjoy the day lazing on the Beach.Overnight at Diu.
Morning Drive to Sasan Gir – A National Park – paradise for the connoisseurs of wildlife. Afternoon Jeep Safari at the Sanctuary. Explore the sanctuary in search of Asiatic Lions. The lions, a smaller more compact version of their African cousins are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. Gir also has leopards and numerous chital, nilgai, chinkara, the four horned antelope and wild boar. Marsh crocodiles are often seen at kamleshwar dam & farm developed in the forest. Overnight at Sasan Gir.
NOTE : Sasan Gir Sanctuary remains closed from 15th June till 15th Oct. every year.
Early Morning Drive to Junagadh (65 kms). ‘Junagadh’ literally means ancient fort was once the capital of the Junagadh state, under the Muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs. The Junagadh town is located at the foothills of the sacred hill of Girnar and occupies a special place in the history of Gujarat. Visit Ashok Rock Edict, Junagadh Museum, Uparkot, etc. Drive to Gondal, a picturesque town with plenty of gracious architecture, wide tree lined roads and European lampposts. Evening, visit Royal Family Vintage car collection of Gondal. The royal garages, have an extensive collection of Vintage and classic cars including a 1910 new engine, a delage and a Daimler from the 1920s, a 1935 mercedes, 1935 packard 2 door convertible, 1941 & 1947 cadillac, 1955 cadillac limousine, jaguar xk 150, Chevrolet Etc. Most of these cars are restored and some bear the original Gondal State number plates. Overnight at Gondal.
After an early breakfast drive to Bhuj. On Arrival, check in at Hotel. Evening visit the Bazar and Aiana Mahal Museum. Aaina Mahal: It was constucted by Rao Lakhpatji (1707-61 A.D.) in 1750 A.D., who was a great patron of art, architecture, music & literature. Aaina Mahal is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence. Overnight at BHUJ.
Full day excursion to Banni Villages (North Bhuj) (you are suggested to carry Packed lunch). Amidst the Desert land of infinite dimensions, are suspended, quaint little villages. These are the last villages on the India-Pakistan border. Here you will come across master craft people’ exposing their traditional art, turning our master pieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use – will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound. Return to Bhuj for an overnight stay.
Full day Excursion to Banny village (East & South Bhuj) (Packed lunch recommended). Excursion includes: Anjar (old architecture), Banni (‘Bhunga’ mud houses, kutchi handicrafts), Kera (11th century Shiva Temple) Overnight at Bhuj.
In time transfer Bhuj airport to connect flight to Mumbai.
